Randomized Controlled Trial of Precision Vestibular Rehabilitation in Military Personnel with mTBI
Abstract
During the past 17 years, US military personnel experienced 305,000 mTBI, with as many as 187,000 involving some type of vestibular impairment such as trouble walking and maintaining balance; or symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. These vestibular impairments and symptoms can be actively treated using targeted vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Although vestibular exercises are being implemented by military medical personnel following mTBI, we do not know how frequently or intensely the exercises should be performed in order for injured personnel to have the best recovery. The objective of the proposed study is to conduct a 4-year randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of different targeted vestibular rehabilitation exercise frequencies and intensities in military personnel and civilians with mTBI and vestibular symptoms, impairments, and functional limitations. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive varying levels of frequency (1x or 2x/day) and intensity (30 percent or 70 percent) of vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Weekly in-clinic treatment sessions will be complemented with a daily home exercise program lasting 4 weeks. To date, we completed site visits at Fort Carson and Camp Lejeune; received IRB approval for Fort Carson/Camp Lejeune; received HRPO approval; received a fully executed CRADA and DSA; hired new study staff at UPITT and Fort Carson; conducted FITBIR training with QuesGen Systems, Inc. and FITBIR; enrolled subjects at all sites; randomized first 5 participants at UPITT; submitted and received continuing review approval at UPITT and Camp Lejeune/Fort Carson; conducted 2nd DSMB meeting; and submitted HRPO continuing review.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1119055
Entities
People
- Anthony P. Kontos
- Hannah B. Bitzer
- Patrick J. Sparto
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh